The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a Millennial. It was first sold in the United States in 1984, so it’s now pushing the big 3-0. And VW is honoring the occasion with an Edition 30 model.

The GLI is the sedan version of the sport-tuned GTI hatchback and it uses the same performance underpinnings and power.

The front-wheel-drive Jetta is sold in three gasoline-engine models and one diesel with six-speed transmissions, manual or automatic. Pricing starts at about $20,000 for the base gasoline model and about $28,000 for the loaded turbo diesel.

Edition 30 is sold in two trim levels with starting prices of $25,355 and $30,595, including the $820 freight charge from Puebla, Mexico. Special features includes V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents; red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, shifter, brake lever, and armrests; carbon-look trim inlays; Edition 30 door sills; and floormats with red stitching.

The six-speed manual transmission is light, compliant and fun – the ideal combination to learn the pleasures shifting. And a hill-holder calms the fear of start-off on a hill.

The attitude of the car is sporty and forgiving. The four-wheel-independent suspension has some lift and wobble in aggressive cornering, but overall ride quality is supple and smooth rolling. The 18-inch Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires have good grip with little transfer of road harshness, whether blacktop or concrete.

The doors open wide for comfortable entry and exit. Rear legroom, space is generous at 38.1 inches, gained by a slightly short rear bench seat bottom. The sunroof (standard with the GLI Autobahn) can be enjoyed wide open at highway speeds without buffeting.

It’s not a particularly heavy car (3,131 pounds), but it takes a breath for the turbo to pack some pressure and get things moving off the line. The engine has what would seem to be decent torque – 207 foot-pounds at a low 1,700 rpm – so tach it up for the traffic-light launch and keep the revs rolling to stay in the power band. Or just throttle back and cruise in the sweet spot.